What makes India a fertile place for pseudo Holy Men?
Abraham Maslow might have an answer
Religion is
an indispensable part of our country’s moral and cultural fabric. For many rich,
it is an easy way to purge themselves of the vices rationalized as essential to
survive and prosper in the material world. It isn’t uncommon to see some of the most
corrupt politicians and unscrupulous businessmen making generous donations, perform
elaborate yagnas and bend beyond
their back, sometimes quite literally, for the blessings of almighty. Besides public posturing, it’s also the
lingering fear that stems from consciousness of their deeds that drives them to
the sanctum sanctorum of god and its self- proclaimed agents.
Deal making is a way of life for them and that’s what they try to make with the god as well, in exchange of a tiny bit of their wealth and a few moments of humility.
Deal making is a way of life for them and that’s what they try to make with the god as well, in exchange of a tiny bit of their wealth and a few moments of humility.
However, for the vast majority of Indians, the bottom
50% with only 10% of the country’s resources - as pointed out by Thomas Pikkety
- religion delivers at a far more elementary level.
Failed by the apathetic administration and opportunistic Politicians, it becomes their principal provider of hope.
Failed by the apathetic administration and opportunistic Politicians, it becomes their principal provider of hope.
When
governments fail, middlemen prosper. That’s where some Spiritual gurus find
their sweet spot. These agents of hope are lurking around in every nook and
corner of the country, peddling their new-fangled theories that promise divine
grace in this life and beyond.
In a recent article titled ‘Godmen-theirs and ours, Pakistani sociologist, Pervez hodbhoy mentioned “India and Pakistan have more influential holy men per square mile than anyone has ever counted.”
They are rich, powerful and dangerously influential. In some cases, their writ runs larger than the system. The most commonly brandished rationale behind their incredible popularity is the gullibility of the uneducated and superstitious masses. While true to an extent, it doesn’t add up to the obsession, that borders madness, of followers willing to shed their blood and lives for their Guru
For a well- rounded perspective, one needs a more nuanced understanding of the operating models of these babas. They make enormous amount of investments, of money and skill, towards making a larger than life image for themselves.
Wittingly or unwittingly, they exhibit a great understanding of the Human behavior, appealing to the different level of human motivations, as prescribed by Abraham Maslow in the hierarchy of human needs.
Although the initiation happens through the pitch to the highest order motivation of self-Transcendence, the relationship is nourished and sustained through more fundamental offerings
Anyone who has ever visited the Ashrams and deras, some even more modestly called Kutiyas(HUTS) -euphemisms for the mini kingdoms built over many acres - can vouch for the divine abundance that flows in the form of food. In a country with more than 194 Million undernourished people, highest in the world, two square meal is a huge incentive. They provide means of living to thousands of unemployed ‘volunteers’
In a recent article titled ‘Godmen-theirs and ours, Pakistani sociologist, Pervez hodbhoy mentioned “India and Pakistan have more influential holy men per square mile than anyone has ever counted.”
They are rich, powerful and dangerously influential. In some cases, their writ runs larger than the system. The most commonly brandished rationale behind their incredible popularity is the gullibility of the uneducated and superstitious masses. While true to an extent, it doesn’t add up to the obsession, that borders madness, of followers willing to shed their blood and lives for their Guru
For a well- rounded perspective, one needs a more nuanced understanding of the operating models of these babas. They make enormous amount of investments, of money and skill, towards making a larger than life image for themselves.
Wittingly or unwittingly, they exhibit a great understanding of the Human behavior, appealing to the different level of human motivations, as prescribed by Abraham Maslow in the hierarchy of human needs.
Although the initiation happens through the pitch to the highest order motivation of self-Transcendence, the relationship is nourished and sustained through more fundamental offerings
Anyone who has ever visited the Ashrams and deras, some even more modestly called Kutiyas(HUTS) -euphemisms for the mini kingdoms built over many acres - can vouch for the divine abundance that flows in the form of food. In a country with more than 194 Million undernourished people, highest in the world, two square meal is a huge incentive. They provide means of living to thousands of unemployed ‘volunteers’
Some of India’s biggest hospitals and education
institutions are run under the patronage of these babas, offering subsidized education, quality affordable healthcare
to the large section of deprived population.
These centers in turn feed in to the image of benevolence. Every child that passes out of these schools is positively disposed, if not already indoctrinated.
Many such pseudo holy men are renegades of organized religions. Besides being less regimented and ritualistic, they also appear to be more egalitarian than otherwise upper caste dominated dispensations.
Their sects develop into a microcosm of society, with its unique ecosystem. Bonded by the common love of ‘the Guru’, followers have a deep sense of belonging and communion among them. They forge new ties, make friends and in some cases find their life partners from the community. The Shared sense of Sect identity takes precedence over the common religious identity.
Not just identity, the followers also derive pride and self-esteem from the stature of ‘the Guru’, who in turn draws it from his powerful audiences. This is where the Guru also turns from a benefactor to a beneficiary. The more the asset base of followers the spiritual lords can parade, the longer is the march of political and other heavyweights genuflecting at their doorsteps. As the showcase of celebrities gets bigger, so does the perceived strength of their divine power.
These centers in turn feed in to the image of benevolence. Every child that passes out of these schools is positively disposed, if not already indoctrinated.
Many such pseudo holy men are renegades of organized religions. Besides being less regimented and ritualistic, they also appear to be more egalitarian than otherwise upper caste dominated dispensations.
Their sects develop into a microcosm of society, with its unique ecosystem. Bonded by the common love of ‘the Guru’, followers have a deep sense of belonging and communion among them. They forge new ties, make friends and in some cases find their life partners from the community. The Shared sense of Sect identity takes precedence over the common religious identity.
Not just identity, the followers also derive pride and self-esteem from the stature of ‘the Guru’, who in turn draws it from his powerful audiences. This is where the Guru also turns from a benefactor to a beneficiary. The more the asset base of followers the spiritual lords can parade, the longer is the march of political and other heavyweights genuflecting at their doorsteps. As the showcase of celebrities gets bigger, so does the perceived strength of their divine power.
Touching their lives at so many levels,
association with these sects becomes more than just a matter of faith. It starts
defining their place in the social order and in many cases, a support system
for everyday existence.
And when their Guru is under fire, it is seen as
a challenge to the entire ecosystem that runs under his patronage. Illusory or real, their sense of safety,
security, identity and place in the order is threatened. The desperation to
hold on to it overshadows their judgment. So much so that they are willing to
take on the might of the establishment.
Given how strongly our beliefs and value systems
are conjoined at the roots with divinity, God Men are here to stay. They have
played an important role in the building of a moral, tenacious, righteous and
progressive society. But as long as our governments leave a void, black sheeps
like Ram Rahim’s and Ram pals will keep finding the green patches to feed on.
As Nicolas Taleb mentions in his best seller ‘The Black Swan’, ‘It’s not possible to stop charlatans from existing, but you can definitely prevent them from duping’
As Nicolas Taleb mentions in his best seller ‘The Black Swan’, ‘It’s not possible to stop charlatans from existing, but you can definitely prevent them from duping’
